Commission launches mask festivals

By SAMUEL BARIASI
THE National Cultural Commission (NCC) has launched the Maula and Balala Mask Festivals of Talasea, West New Britain.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Emil Tammur presented K10,000 to West New Britain Governor and Talasea MP Francis Maneka for each festival on Monday.
“These two (festivals) are the second certified cultural events in our cultural calendar after the recent Gogodala Canoe Festival in Balimo, Western,” he said.
“These two events are recognised by the Melanesian Cultural Commission.”
Tammur said he was impressed with NCC’s efforts in delivering outcomes despite lack of funding and mismanagement over the years.
State Enterprises Minister Sasindran Muthuvel suggested that a festival at the provincial level should be initiated as well.
“We have seven major tribes in West New Britain but people from all over PNG live there so it is very colourful,” Muthuvel said.
Maneka said Talasea had multicultural people and needed an avenue to portray themselves.
“We want to take back PNG through our culture in Talasea,” he said.
National Cultural Commission acting executive director Steven Kilanda said they would work with the West New Britain government, districts and local level governments to preserve the province’s cultural heritage.
“We look forward to working closely with the festivals’ organising committees and the people of West New Britain,” Kilanda said.